Augustana University Athletics

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Augustana volleyball (2-0, 0-0 NSIC) kicked off the Bettye Wallace Invitational with an impressive performance, sweeping UT Dallas (1-1, 0-0 Lone Star) 3-0 and edging out Henderson State (1-1, 0-0 GAC) in a thrilling 3-2 victory at the Duke Wells Center on Friday. The win against UT Dallas marked head coach Erika Bute's first as the Vikings' head coach, adding a notable milestone to the Vikings' successful start.

In the match against UT Dallas, the Vikings demonstrated a strong offensive performance, tallying a .302 hitting percentage and recording 11 total blocks. AU took an early lead in the opening set, with Sydney Tims starting the scoring with a kill. The Vikings maintained momentum with contributions from Reagan Jansen and Lucy Belisle, extending the advantage to 6-1. UT Dallas responded with a series of points, including kills from Lila Westphal and Laura See, leveling the score at 8-8. However, AU regained control as Jansen and Abby Gruber secured crucial points, leading a late surge. A service ace by Kiylah Franke and a final kill by Jansen sealed the set for AU at 25-19.

The second set saw the Vikings rally from an early deficit to secure a 25-18 victory over the Comets. Westphal and Jane Burkhardt initially put the Comets ahead with early kills, but Augustana responded with key plays from Jansen and Tims to tie the score at 2-2. A pivotal moment occurred when Maya Wente recorded a series of kills, contributing to a decisive 6-0 run that put AU in command. Franke's assist helped close the set with a block by Franke herself, sealing it with an 18-25 scoreline.

In the third set, the Vikings capitalized on key errors from UT Dallas to secure a 25-21 victory. Wente led the offensive charge with multiple kills, including a pivotal one at 19-19, helping Augustana regain and maintain the lead. Clara Hoegh's strong service game included back-to-back aces that brought the home team level early in the set. UTD struggled with errors, particularly in attack, which AU exploited effectively, culminating in a block by Gruber on Addison Schnautz to seal the set.

Maya Wente  

• 14 kills on a .444 hitting percentage  
• 1 solo block, 3 block assists  
• 16.5 points  

Kiylah Franke  

• 29 assists  
• 2 kills  
• 2 solo blocks, 1 block assist  

Reagan Jansen  

• 9 kills  
• 11 digs  
• 1 service ace  

Abby Gruber  

• 5 kills on a .333 hitting percentage  
• 1 solo block, 2 block assists  
• 8 points  

In the nightcap against Henderson State, AU secured a thrilling 3-2 victory with set scores of 25-27, 25-15, 19-25, 25-14, and 15-12. The first set opened with the Vikings taking a commanding 5-0 lead, aided by a service error and a series of effective attacks. However, after reaching a 25-25 stalemate, the Reddies clinched the set 27-25 following a decisive block by Cassidi Campbell on an attack error by Tims.

AU established momentum early in the second set with a balanced offensive attack, leading to a 25-15 victory. The set saw Augustana capitalize on several errors by the Reddies, including consecutive attack errors that extended the Vikings' lead to 17-10. Key contributions came from Reagan Jansen and Kelby Opland, who each tallied multiple kills, supported by Clara Hoegh's setting. Maya Wente closed the set with a decisive kill, sealing it for AU at 25-15.

In the third set, the Reddies capitalized on a series of errors from AU to secure a 25-19 victory. Despite efforts by AU, including multiple kills from Jansen and Gruber, the Reddies maintained their lead, concluding the set with Tyhia Mack's kill.

Augustana surged ahead early in the fourth set, opening with a 4-0 run highlighted by Gruber's service ace. The Reddies tried to respond, but AU's defense, led by Wente and Sylvia Taylor, consistently thwarted their efforts. Franke played a pivotal role, assisting on multiple kills and contributing to a block that extended AU's lead. Jansen and Opland sealed the set for Augustana with consecutive kills, leading to a powerful 25-14 victory.

In the decisive fifth set, Augustana emerged victorious with a narrow 15-12 win over the Reddies. Opland opened the scoring with a kill assisted by Franke, setting the tone for a competitive set. Despite a tight back-and-forth, AU maintained a slight edge with impactful plays, including a service ace from Gabby Jones, which widened their lead to 12-10. Jansen sealed the match with a kill, concluding the set and securing the win for AU.

Reagan Jansen  

• 17 kills  
• 13 digs  
• 17.5 points  

Kiylah Franke  

• 47 assists  
• 12 digs  
• 4 blocks (3 solo)  

Abby Gruber  

• 11 kills on a .524 hitting percentage  
• 12 points  

Maya Wente  

• 11 kills  
• 4 blocks (1 solo)  
• 13.5 points  

Up Next
Augustana continues its time at the Bettye Wallace Invitational on Saturday with matches against Arkansas-Fort Smith at 9 a.m. and Cameron at 1 p.m.